About the Restaurants

Leave the fancy duds at home—you're unlikely to find a formal dining room to strut into. Casual dress reigns supreme in this part of the world. Although much of southeastern New Mexico is cowboy country, where thick steaks and barbecue make the meal, good Mexican food can be found, too. Food tends to lean heavily toward the old-fashioned American meat-and-potatoes style—generally pretty bland with often surprisingly mild chile. There are a few standout restaurants, and we’ve noted them.